The "Netflix and chill" phenomenon has taken over. The concept of "Netflix and chill" has become it's very own verb, which is a not-so-subtle code for "Come over, I'll turn on a Netflix documentary, but we'll be hooking up within the first 10 minutes anyway." If you're not so familiar with the concept, check out this video:
Most people understand this new code, but for others who might be blinded in the pursuit of romance, they may not be so lucky when they find out that someone might have intended to do more than sit on the couch with popcorn and a good "Gossip Girl" binge. Because more often than not, communication is broken somewhere. What "Netflix and chill" has been most popular for is getting girls to come over to guys' houses without outwardly telling them that all they want to do is hook up. Now, if this is your intention, so be it. As long as both parties are communicative, there's no problem. But I personally don't think it's fair or worth taking time out of your day to be the modern day "booty call."
More and more every day, I have witnessed (mostly) girls succumb to this phenomenon with the hope of "something more" coming from these hookups. And sadly, that's not always the case. Actually, most of the time it's never the case. A guy who calls you to his house like pizza delivery for their lonely Netflixing probably has no intention of making you his girlfriend or even taking you on a decent date. He is 100% most likely of the f*ckboy species.
So why are we, girls, better than a good old "Netflix and chill" night?
He's not making you his girlfriend.
If the first thing that he asks you to do with him is come over to his place and watch some Netflix and chill, then what's stopping him from continuously doing this? It's a free "date" that he doesn't even have to spend gas on, or dress up in something halfway decent. Plus, at any moment when you ask, "So, what exactly are we?" he has the backdoor exit of saying, Well, we're not dating, because you haven't actually been on a "date."
And before guys say that us girls are too "high maintenance," even going for a walk at the park is a free upgrade from sitting in the dark with the beaming light of the television screen.
He probably won't acknowledge you in public.
You guys have never been on a public date and he probably wants to play it cool and ensure he seems available for any other ladies who might fall for the dreaded "Netflix and chill" move. If he sees you in passing, he might feel pressured to do a quick wave, but that's all.
Frustration level: 100.
You are deserving of more.
"We accept the love we think we deserve," -Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower
I, for one - if you couldn't already tell - am not an advocate of our current hookup culture because I believe that every party in a romantic "relationship" is deserving of a mutual benefit from said relationship. It's nice to hold hands, do homework together in the library, catch a movie, or grab lunch together - not just hookup. Too many times have I had girls approach me with their "boy issues," saying that they are just so frustrated with their current state or that they "have no idea where we stand." It breaks my heart to see these girls continue to accept mediocre pickup lines and invitations to "Netflix and chill," which allow for a continuous cycle.
Honey, treat yourself like a brand new Ferrari, not a broken down pickup truck. In time, your one will appear in your life and treat you right; don't be so discouraged and go chasing after something that will just leave you in pain.
People say that the "traditional" form of dating is dead, but I, from my own experience, can tell you that it isn't. I think that all too often girls get sucked into the depths of wanting a relationship so badly that they settle for something that doesn't make them any happier. Being in a romantic relationship isn't everything, especially at a time when you're trying to be your best self.
Boys, please be communicative. If you're not looking for a relationship, be completely upfront about it. Girls might not be looking for one either, but don't think that everyone knows your version of "Netflix and chill" is just a casual hookup and nothing more.
Overall, the one for you is out there, but he/she is not going to start off your fairytale ending with an 11 p.m. text asking you to come over so you can "Netflix and chill." Hold your chin high, be patient, and demand more from yourself and your romantic interests. Trust me, you will be ten times happier. There's no rush.
Save yourself the frustration, and stop accepting invitations to "Netflix and chill." Sorry boys, it can't go on any longer.
